Top 5 Kid-Friendly Attractions in Gatlinburg
When you are planning a family trip to the Smoky Mountains, you are guaranteed to find plenty of activities that the whole crew will love. In Gatlinburg, the streets are lined with thrilling activities for people of all ages, including children. Here are 5 of the best kid-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg:
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Voted as the second best aquarium in the country by USA Today, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has plenty of things to do that will keep your child entertained. There are numerous different exhibits where they can see all different kinds of marine life. In addition, there are multiple hands-on activities for them that are both fun and educational. One of those fun activities is the Touch a Ray Bay. While listening to a guide tell you all there is to know about rays, guests can step up to the tank and stroke the smooth skin of the animal! If you are looking for a thrilling experience that is perfect for all members of the family, take a ride on the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure. Since the floor of the vessel is made of glass, you will be able to see a variety of colorful creatures right underneath your feet! Because the ride takes you into Shark Lagoon, you are sure to see some of the amazing predators roaming the water! Ripley’s Aquarium is the perfect place to take the kids for a fun day of learning and family time!
2. Rowdy Bear Mountain
Rowdy Bear Mountain is home to two of the most thrilling attractions in Gatlinburg for the whole family! First, take a ride through the treetops of Rowdy Bear Mountain with the Mountain Glider. During the ride, you are seated in a harness with a handle bar over your head that is attached to the roller coaster. It is the perfect combination of a free falling and hang gliding ride that will leave your family wanting to go again and again! After you travel through the mountains in the air, take a seat and ride on the Mountain Alpine Coaster. This gravity propelled ride will reach speeds up to 35 miles per hour as it winds you through the mountains. However, the best part is that you do not have to go that fast if you don’t want to. You can control your own speed on the coaster with your handle bars, so feel free to go at your own pace! These two rides at Rowdy Bear Mountain are both designed for members of the whole family to enjoy together!
3. Gatlinburg Space Needle
When you visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle, there are different features for all age groups to enjoy. Parents will love the view of the Smoky Mountains presented at the top of the 407-foot observation tower. After you ride a glass elevator to the observation deck, you are greeted with a 360 degree view of downtown Gatlinburg and the Smokies. While kids will appreciate the scenery as well, their favorite part of the trip will be found at the arcade. At the base of the Space Needle, there is a 30,000 square foot amusement center that is full of classic and new arcade games! One of the best things about Arcadia is their selection of prizes. After collecting points on your arcade card, you can select prizes from some of the top name brands, including Xbox, Sony, Coach, Lego, and so many more! There really is something for everyone to enjoy at the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
4. Ober Gatlinburg
Who says you have to wait until winter to enjoy a family day in the snow? At Ober Gatlinburg, you can live in a winter wonderland 365 days a year. There are so many fun activities to do at the park that children will love! Once you step off the aerial tramway onto the top of the mountain, the fun begins! One of the most popular activities for children to do is ice skating. There is a huge rink set up in the middle of the mall area that offers plenty of room for all skaters. Also, there is a handrail that surrounds the perimeter which can help young children keep their balance. Another activity located inside the rink is the Ice Bumper Cars! Take a seat in one of the colorful, motor powered inner tubes and smash into all your family members! Take a trip to Ober Gatlinburg to see all the other activities that make it one of the best attractions in Gatlinburg!
5. Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze
You will have to work well as a family to make your way through Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze. This thrilling attraction takes you through a multitude of different mirrors and LED lights. By the time you are done, you will be tired of seeing your own reflection in the mirror! If you are having trouble completing the maze, there are people who are there to get you on the right track to finding the one way out. We guarantee your family will have a great time trying to defeat the ultimate mirror maze attraction in Gatlinburg!
Now that you know some of the best kid-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg, be sure to check out some other fun things to do while you visit! We hope to see you soon in the Smoky Mountains!
